June 21, 2004 (Ladybug's Birthday)

What a coincidence that my birthday fell on Naked Hiker's Day!  Would a solstice child participate?  My family shipped me birthday cakes and candles.  I tried to talk Bear into eating them for breakfast so we wouldn't have to carry them.  "Oh no," he said, while he filled his bag with 10 Little Debbie snack cakes.  Bear then handed me a brown paper bag and wished me happy birthday.  Bear gave me a plush Ladybug which now dangles from my backpack. 

As I hiked into the campsite where Bear was set up, my feet were throbbing.  It's as though someone was pounding on them with a hammer. It was that painful.  I sat down on a log and Bear came over and said, "I'm cooking your diner tonight, which meal would you prefer?"  I chose the Mountain House turkey tetrazinni.  Wow! I didn't have to cook tonight!! What a relief and very sweet of Bear.  I pitched my tent while Bear was preparing diner.

After dinner, Bear tucked himself into his tent and came out with a plate full of Little Debbie snack cakes with 24 candles...all lit.  I made a wish before we each ate five.  Bear went to hang the rope for the bear bag and the rock was stuck just within reach...seemingly.  So...I climbed upon Bear's shoulders and reached for the rock.  No luck.  Bear jumped as I reached again, no luck.  We tried several times before I was able to grab the rock and pull down the rope for us to hang our food bags.  As we did, I pointed out the other rope that was dangling from the same limb and felt much pride that we had ours.  You'd think that after 1000 miles and nearly three months of hanging bear bags we wouldn't have to resort to circus antics to hang our food bags.  But...I have learned that anything goes out here.  Thank you to everyone for the happy birthday wishes.